Mark Noble has been urged to lead West Ham to more milestones if he wants to join the club’s Hall of Fame.

The Hammers will pay tribute to their legendary former captain Billy Bonds by naming a stand at the London Stadium after him.

Bonds made a record 799 ­appearances for West Ham and played his last game aged 41.

In December, Noble overtook Alan ­Devonshire and rose to 12th on the all-time list and has now turned out for them 456 times.

The Canning Town-born midfielder has held down his place in the team – under a ­succession of bosses – for more than 10 years.

Noble in action against Liverpool (Image: EMPICS Sport)

Manuel Pellegrini, whose men go to Crystal Palace today, believes Noble is the ideal captain for any manager joining a new club.

But he said: “Mark must be focused on the next year, to continue to win and improve what he has done for this club. He’s done a lot of things but is just 31 and has a lot more history to write for this club.

“That’s why he is one of the most important ­players, along with Trevor Brooking and Bobby Moore. Important players and experienced players know this ­profession and are ­always helping everyone: Managers, their mates, the dressing room. That’s why they’re leaders.

Noble remains crucial to West Ham (Image: West Ham United via Getty Images)

“In this squad it isn’t just him, I think we have three or four.

“As a manager you’re always learning from all your players, from games you see.

“Mark also is ­always talking with all his mates. “I always talk with the squad and I give the ­direction in the way we must work and play. After that the leaders in the squad have ­responsibility to direct young players in the same way.

“You must always listen more than you talk. If you do that, maybe you are going to learn more.

“I don’t think you could ­compare Mark and Billy Bonds. Mark’s our captain. He made his ­complete career here at West Ham. Probably he will finish here. After he retires, the club must decide what he deserves. But in the ­history of West Ham Mark will be an ­important player also.

“I never like comparing because they are different years, different club, different season. But both of them are very important players when they play, or did play, for West Ham.”